Villainy swells! With an army of
the galaxy's most vicious criminals,
Scourge and Fleetway the Hedgehog conspire
with Smithy the Lion and the Diamond Cutters
to topple Duchess Liza the Chameleon, ruler of
Planet Wisp. While the conspirators
prepare to attack the Wispon
capital of Yacker from a base on
Drak, the fate of 2,000 other
neutral systems are under threat
as Scourge moves closer to
establishing a vast criminal empire….
The Raiju, the Diamond Cutters and the crime lords were all in a tent examining a hologram of the capital "Where are my targets?" Scourge asked. Smithy shoed different parts of the capital "We've identified them at these locations. However, as I've said before, if we try to take the planet by Force, our people will turn against us". Scourge pondered "I'll use my army of crime lords to attack the different targets across Yacker and cause chaos which will undermine the Duchess' rule. We'll make her look too weak. Then you and the Diamond Cutters will capture and arrest us, you'll bring order where Liza's government couldn't". A smile slowly formed on Smithy's face "We'll be saviours" "Exactly" "A good plan". Whisper nodded "Indeed. I'll prepare the troops". She and Smithy walked out of the tent "It's a risk to trust those two. How do we know they'll keep their end of the bargain?" she said. "We need those Raiju and their thugs to cause some pain and show the Wispon people how weak Liza really is. After this is done no one will doubt why we're in power. Most will welcome us". "Then what?" Whisper asked, "Then we execute Scourge and his bother. The criminals will scatter, and Planet Wisp will be ours".
Back in the tent Scourge was pacing, "I believe Smithy will betray us" Fleetway said with his arms crossed. "We don't have a choice. We can't rule openly without drawing the attention from the Shinobi. We need Smithy as the face of our rule, for now". Fleetway smirked "The promise of wealth will find us a new face on Planet Wisp" "You've learned well, apprentice. Greed is a great motivator".
A cargo ship docked on the outside of Yacker and released large cargo containers. Two guards scanned the containers "I'm reading life forms in this one. It might be infested". They were about to open it when birds carrying blasters jumped out, fired on the guards and took control of the docks.
A wolf ran into the throne room where Liza was "Duchess, the shipping docks are under attack" "By whom? The Diamond Cutters?". The wolf shook his head "No, it appears to be a crime syndicate. Our guards are helpless against their numbers and the people are demanding we do something to stop them".
The frog was leading the Destructix through the city streets "Stand down! You are all now slaves to the Destructix clan". They began killing any civilians who ran. The guards were forced to fall back form the intense fire".
Two guard were at the cities bank as a group of Battle Kukku soldiers arrived "Open the vault. We're here to ae a withdrawal". More guards exited the bank and pointed their blasters at the group. The birds laughed and stepped aside revealing Fleetway who ignited his lightsaber and charged forward. The guards fired but Fleetway easily killed them all.
Liza was standing at a podium looking down at a massive angry crowd "I need you all to remain calm. These attackers are just thugs brought on by the lowest element". The crowd began to clamour when "The Duchess Liza has led us to ruin!" they all saw Smithy and Whisper hover down. Liza scowled at them "The Diamond Cutters". Liza's guards moved forward but she held out her hands "Stay back! Smithy, you must be the one responsible for these attacks". "No, I'm not responsible. But I can offer a solution" he turned to the crowd "People of Planet Wisp!". He removed his mask "I am Smithy of the Lion clan. The Diamond Cutters are here to save you from these intergalactic gangsters that threaten our great city. This is a war, and we will win". Liza watched in shock as the crowd began to cheer. Smithy smirked "Join me and let us defend Planet Wisp against the criminals. We need action, not pacifism". Liza stepped forward "Do not listen to him! His war will cause the end of Planet Wisp as we know it". "We are under attack. There is no time for discussion" Smithy put his mask back on. He and Whisper wispons turned crimson and they flew up and over the crowd "The name of Planet Wisp should send fear into the hearts of those gangsters!". The crowd began to chant "Smithy! Smithy!".
Smithy was in a shuttle speaking to a hologram of Scourge "The people are beginning to follow you. It is time for the Diamond Cutters to make their move. Make sure you put on a good show". Smithy nodded "As you wish, Lord Scourge".
On the docks the remaining guards were trapped inside the cargo containers "What should we do?" "There's nothing we can do. The Duchess' forces are being overrun across the entire planet". They suddenly heard blaster fire outside "Listen. It sounds like there's fighting going on out there". The doors suddenly opened, and all the criminals were on the ground with their hands on their heads. The guards walked out and saw a group of animals wielding wispons "Who are you?" "We're the Diamond Cutters, and we're here to rescue you". A cheetah guard nodded "Well, you have my thanks, soldier" "No, thank Smithy the Lion".
As the attack on the streets continued, a group of children hid under a bench. One of the criminals leaned down and saw them. Before he could do anything Whisper arrived with more Diamond Cutters and surrounded the criminals forcing them to surrender. Whisper went over to the children "You're safe now" she helped them out.
Fleetway and the others were running away from the bank as guards were chasing them. The guards turned a corner and saw Fleetway duelling Smithy who was using the Darksaber. He managed to push Fleetway to the ground "This monster will not trouble the people of Planet Wisp any longer. Take him away, Captain".
A huge crowd outside the palace were chanting Smithy's name. Inside Liza was sitting on her throne "Duchess, Smithy and his men have entered the palace. Should we stop them?" the wolf asked. Liza sighed "How can we? The people are on their side now". Smithy entered with Whisper and the others. Liza's guards got in front of her, but she raised her hand "No! there will be no bloodshed" "But, Duchess" "I will not be provoked to violence by these terrorists". Smithy removed his mask "Listen, Duchess. Do you hear the people? They cry it for change. Your weak-minded rule of Planet Wisp is at an end. The resurrection of our warrior past is about to begin.
The Diamond Cutters were standing above the crowd with the crime lords and Fleetway on their knees next to them. Whisper stepped forward "Duchess Liza has handed over leadership to us. Her government has fled in cowardice while the Diamond Cutters brought these criminals to justice. Your new Prime Minister, Smithy the Lion, leader of the Diamond Cutters, exiled governor of Windy Hill, true son of Planet Wisp, presents you with the lords of the most feared crime families in the galaxy". The crowd began to chant Smithy's name.
In the palace jail, Liza was in a cell with a glass door, she watched as two of her guards were being led away "You cannot hold me here. I am Duchess of planet Wisp. Your actions will bring our civilization to ruin!". "Is that you, Liza?" she heard from the cell, she recognised the voice "Menniker" "Here for a visit?" he replied mockingly. "Or has peace betrayed you too, Duchess?", Liza sighed "Peace exists only in the minds of the faithful". Menniker scoffed "And faith has been the greatest disappointment" "Only when it is broken. What you did for the people as Prime Minister betrayed their trust". He rolled his eyes "And you betrayed mine. Destitution leaves little room for faith. My actions allowed the people hope in your leadership. The supplies I bought on the black market kept you in power". Liza shook her head "Another error in judgement. The people made willing sacrifices for their freedom. Corruption is not the answer". Menniker laughed "Then enjoy your freedom, Duchess. You'll have plenty of time to tell me all about it. I promise". Liza sat down head her face in her arms when she realized Whisper, wearing her mask was standing in front of her cell. Liza's face turned angry, but she didn't say anything, "I've convinced Smithy to turn you over to the Republic. We will contact them after our plans are done. After that, the Diamond Cutters will leave you be" Whisper said with a hint of regret in her voice. Liza glared at her "How very kind" she said with obvious contempt. Whisper sighed "If you're expecting an apology you won't get one. Smithy's right, you've led our people away from everything Wispons stand for. If those criminals didn't attack today than it would've just been someone else tomorrow" "So you'd rather we just tear planet apart ourselves" Liza asked her. Whisper looked away in frustration before turning back "I didn't come here for another argument. I just wanted you to know you're safe. Goodbye" she said before quickly walking away.
Later Whisper entered the throne room with Scourge where Smithy was waiting "The transition of power will be seamless. We now have the support of the people and Liza to bait Espio. With his demise, our deal will be complete". Scourge crossed his arms "You seem to be forgetting something. We now have a base, an army, and the means to expand to the other neutral systems". Smithy smirked "I didn't forget. I don't have any interest in the other systems. Your plan no longer matters". Whisper raised her weapon to Scourge while another put binders on his wrists. Smithy sat down on the throne "Don't fret. I'll still honour our deal. Espio will be dealt with. But now you'll do as I say". Instead of being angry Scourge looked amused by the betrayal.
Smithy spoke to the crowd "The violence is over! The last of the parasites infecting Planet Wisp has been caught". Whisper walked out with a restrained Scourge, "The Duchess has abandoned her duty to protect Planet Wisp. Her political dream only encourages aggression against our planet. We have learned from this beast the consequences of the pacifist principles". He grabbed Scourge by the spines making him growl in anger, "It's now time to restore the traditions of Planet Wisp. No one will ever threaten us again!" the crowd cheered.
Scourge and Fleetway were in a cell with the former pacing "Smithy has captured the support of his people, just as we planned. However, he's not their anointed leader yet. There is still time for us to put in place a leader under our control". Fleetway nodded "Then let us escape and we shall find one" "Patience. We must move cautiously. We're in prison, brother. Smithy has put us in reach of several candidates for his successor". Fleetway looked confused "What do you mean, brother?" "Smithy has imprisoned the Duchess here. There will be other political prisoners who will suite our purposes well". A Wispon guard walked past "Hey, quiet, you two". Scourge smirked and looked at Fleetway "Apprentice, I would like to see more of this prison". Fleetway used the Force to blow the prison open which threw the guard off the railing and down to the lower level. The two calmly walked through the prison and eventually reached Liza's cell. Scourge stared at her "You are the now former Duchess Liza, correct?" "What do you want, you monster?" Liza said blankly. "Nothing yet. Although you will be needed later. Where are the other members of your political party?" "You should know already. They've either sided with Smithy or have been killed. There's no one left but Menniker and I, but he's as corrupt and vile as you".
This seemed to interest Scourge "Really? Hm, thank you for your help, Duchess" he said mockingly before moving to the next cell. "Menniker?" "Yes" Menniker said nervously as he stood up. "I can free you from this prison. What were you before you ended up in here?" "I'm the former Prime Minister. Liza imprisoned me on charges of corruption and conspiracy for using the black market". Scourge opened the cell door and entered which made Menniker sit down. "He's a murderer. He caused the deaths of children" they heard Liza say angrily from her cell, "Quiet" Fleetway told her. Suddenly a blaster shot flew right past Fleetway's head. He quickly turned around and grabbed the Wispon lemming with the Force and strangled him. Menniker watched this before turning back to Scourge "What do you want from me?" "Planet Wisp is in need of a Prime Minister". Menniker didn't understand "I thought you were in league with Smithy". Fleetway finished killing the Wispon and dropped him. "We were" "Well, you both are clearly powerful, but how can the two of you overthrow Smithy and his supporters?". Scourge smirked "Smithy is soldier, and like every soldier, he is bound by honour. I will challenge him to single combat in front of his men. He won't deny me". This interested Menniker "Hm. If you defeat him, according to the ancient laws of Planet Wisp, his soldiers will be honour bound to follow you", Scourge grinned "Precisely".
Smithy and the main leaders of the Diamond Cutters were in the throne room when a hologram appeared "Sir, they're attacking. We-" he rose into the air clutching his throat. Fleetway entered with that very same guard, Scourge and Menniker were behind him. All the Wispons raised their weapons but Scourge fearlessly stepped forward "I challenge you, one warrior to another. And only the strongest shall rule Planet Wisp". The Wispons all lowered their weapons and turned to Smithy "So be it. Give him his weapon". Whisper took the lightsaber from her belt and threw it to Scourge who immediately ignited it. Smithy then took out the Darksaber "For Wispon!" he charged forward and the two duelled. Scourge kicked him back, so he used his free hand to fly up with his wispon. He took out a blaster and fired at Scourge who deflected the blasts. He then shot flames at Scourge driving him back before Smithy dropped back down, and he shot fireballs at Scourge which exploded knocking him to the ground. He quickly got back up, but Smithy shot a cyan laser at him. Scourge ducked down and the laser just grazed his cheek which made him laugh. The two continued their dual and Smithy was beginning to get tired. Scourge got a hit on his wispon forcing him to drop it.
Smithy hit Scourge's lightsaber out of his hand and but when he tried to strike him. Scourge grabbed his wrist. Smithy tried to punch him with his free hand but Scourged moved out of the way and put his saber arm over his shoulder. He broke Smithy's arm forcing him to drop the saber before he threw him back to the throne. Smithy tried to get back up, but Scourge ran forward and kicked him back down. Scourge then pulled the darksaber to him and ignited it. Scourge face became stoic "Like you said, only the strongest shall rule" he closed his eyes as Scourge raised the lightsaber. Whisper watched in horror as Scourge dropped the saber down and beheaded Smithy. "I claim this sword and my rightful place as leader of the Diamond Cutters" Scourge said as he held the lightsaber up. Half the Diamond Cutters stepped forward and kneeled. Whisper shook her head angrily "Never. No outsider will ever rue Planet Wisp" "If you will not join me, you will all die" Scourge told them. Whisper watched as the kneeling Diamond Cutters stood up and raised their weapons to her and the others "You're all traitors!". Scourge grinned "Unfortunately for you, history won't see it that way. Execute them!". Whisper and the others used their wispons to shoot upwards like rockets out of the throne room and they quickly flew away. Scourge's new soldiers fired at them and managed to kill a few before they escaped.
Later Menniker was speaking to the crowd of people "Silence, please. Silence. Hear me now. Duchess Liza, the so-called pacifist, who could not protect you when your lives were at stake, has murdered Smithy the Lion, the true hero of Planet Wisp". The crowd began to murmur as Menniker continued "Liza is now under arrest and it was Smithy's last command that I be reinstated as Prime Minister. I know my past is checkered, but I promise you, I take full responsibility for my people. And my heart now bleeds for your pain. However, from this point on, Planet Wisp will be strong, and we will be known as the warriors we were always meant to be". The crowd cheered as Menniker re-entered the throne room where Scourge and Fleetway were waiting. The Raiju smirked "You've done well, Prime Minister" "I shall waste no time in building my administration". Scourge nodded "I hope you choose well. I'll be holding you personally responsible for their failures" "Yes, Master. Is there anything more you require" he bowed his head. "Go. Rule my people" Scourge answered.